- Manchester United manager gives update on Matthijs De Ligt
- The Dutch centre-back has remained out since November
- The club initially expected him to miss just one week
Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick has provided yet another update on Matthijs De Ligt’s injury. De Ligt has not featured since a 2–1 win over Crystal Palace on 30 November, and the severity of the issue continues to cast doubt over his short-term availability.
The Dutchman was initially expected to miss just one week of football, yet that timeline has now stretched into an absence of over four months. He had been enjoying a superb season—arguably United’s standout performer—but the injury he sustained against Palace has kept him sidelined ever since.
Former coach Ruben Amorim described the issue as a “small thing” and expected him back for the Wolverhampton Wanderers match on 8 December, but he has not featured since, and the problem now appears far more serious than first suggested.
Carrick’s Comments
Carrick spoke ahead of Manchester United’s meeting with Leeds at Old Trafford on Monday. He responded to queries over De Ligt’s recovery:
“Treatment and rehab. The reason he didn’t come [to Ireland] is he’s not quite on the grass. Patrick came back because he’s further on, but Matta isn’t quite at this stage yet. So it was important for him to continue his rehab, really, and try and get him back. There’s nothing else around it.”
Carrick also gave an update on Lisandro Martinez, who has returned to training after a spell out. He told reporters:
“It’s just that call we make. We wouldn’t be pushed into anything. It’s important that the boys are ready, as important as the next game always is, the most important is always the bigger picture. So, that’s a decision that we’ll take. He’s back training, which is great, and back on the grass, but we’ve certainly got to make the right decision and make sure he’s ready.”
Diogo Dalot and Tom Heaton also both missed the trip to Ireland due to illness, but Dalot should be fine to feature in the Red Devils’ upcoming fixture against Leeds.
What Next for De Ligt
With just seven games left of the Premier League season, there remains uncertainty over whether De Ligt will return before the end of the campaign.
The Dutch defender has suffered a serious injury, and a cautious approach may now see him ruled out until the start of the 2026/27 season to ensure full recovery.
It also looks unlikely he will earn a call-up for the Netherlands national team, with Ronald Koeman instead turning to other centre-back options because of his ongoing injury concerns.
